As the year draws to a close, it's natural to reflect, especially when it's been as interesting as 2013 has. Underground has become mainstream, mainstream has become pop, and while many fight over the meaning of terms like EDM and deep house, others push stoically forward, undeterred by major trends, continuing to do what they do best. So we've called upon a few of those in the later category to tell us what's kept them excited through these last 11 months. This time, she who shall not be labeled, cornerd or put into a box, La Fleur.
Not one to be confined by genre, La Fleur crosses a mass swath of melodica, weaving together sounds and structure with ease and flair. In the studio, she has hooked labels like Watergate - where she also holds a residency - as well as Power Plant and Defected. On tour, she hardly seems to rest, hitting gig after gig at just about ever club around the globe, including Zoo Project in Ibiza, Ego, and Panorama Bar. Artistically, La Fleur doesn't reserve her talents just for music, instead working with some of Stockholm's best designers, ensuring that each album cover that has the luck of representing her tastes does so to perfection. Her releases have been firm favourites of selectors like Claude VonStroke, Carl Craig and Kerri Chandler, making La Fleur one of our go to artists to give us her best picks for 2013.
- Favourite Dj/Artist/Person Of The Year
Many amazing artists worth to be mentioning like Dixon, Mr G and bunch more. But Kerri Chandler is my favourite overall as artist, DJ and person because of his true love for the music, strength, humbleness and passionate performances. He inspires me yet another year.
- Trend Of The Year or Saying Of The Year
I know where to beat the heat... you should follow.
- Event Of The Year
One of the most memorable gigs this year was at a festival called Gagnef in the middle of nowhere in Sweden. Played a warm summer night under the bare sky while the sun set in the lake just next to the DJ booth. Nature feeds the soul and music enlighten the heart and dancing makes you happy, it was a good match that night.
- Overall Highlight
Joining the WG agency in the start of 2013. For me, usually a loner, it was a good feeling to step into the Watergate family. Had an amazing year with them; playing many great parties, releasing my "Nightflow" EP, including a hypnotic killer remix by Kenny Larkin on Watergate Records, having a summer club together with Marco Resmann on Thursdays called Thursdates at Watergate Club, to mention a few things. And the best is that it's yet much more fun to come!